There are lots of fun things to do, great places to eat, and good times to be had in Marathon and the Florida Keys but follow the links to see some of our local favorites. Don’t let this list limit you though, be sure to explore the area and let us know if you find anywhere else in Marathon that you want to share with others!
Bicycle Riding
All the fun isn’t just on the water. Rent a bike to get around Marathon or head out on the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail. Biking in the keys and…
Craine Point Hammock
The Craine Point Hammock Museum & Nature Trail is a tropical oasis of hardwood trees, nature trails and educational displays for adults and children. A “hammock” means that the land…
Dolphin Research Center
The Dolphin Research Center is a sanctuary for dolphins and sea lions where you can come and see them in an all-natural setting. Located on Grassy Key the Dolphin Research…
Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters
The Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters offers a great place to visit rain or shine and draws visitors from across the Keys to Marathon. Not only do you get a chance…
Horseshoe Beach
Horseshoe Beach is located off of Mile Marker 35 in Big Pine Key (make your first right crossing the bridge) and is the result of a quarry that was dug…
Looe Key Reef
Looe Key Reef is located about 12 miles south of Bahia Honda State Park Marina and offers a colorful reef and matching fish in 5-15′ of water. Looe Key Reef…
Marathon Air Museum
Interested in aviation? The Marathon Air Museum houses a collection of several aircraft and a variety of models representing many periods of flight. At his museum, you can also find…
Pigeon Key
A short ferry ride to this 5-acre key with 8 buildings that are all on the National Register of Historic places is totally worth it. The prices are reasonable and…
Seven Mile Bridge
One of the most famous bridges in the United States you can’t miss the Seven Mile bridge if you head south from Marathon. The bridge connects the middle keys (Knight’s…
Sombrero Beach
Sombrero Beach still may be the best kept secret of the Middle Keys. Not only is there a great beach but also picnic pavilions, handicap access on a wide, flat…
Sombrero Reef
What once was a Key is now a reef but boy is it worth it. Sombrero Reef is a great place to take your boat and your gear and spend…
Turtle Hospital
A must stop, the Turtle Hospital is a great way to spend an afternoon getting a tour of the hospital and learning about the valuable service this 501(c)(3) provides. The Turtle…
Water Sports
Being in a house on a canal off of Boot Key Harbor means you are at some of the best paddle boarding and kayaking in the Keys, and have super…
Burdines Waterfront
The best burgers and fries in Marathon. Full stop. Also, try their Hush Puppies, and don’t blame us when you fall in love. You can also go by boat…
Castaway Waterfront Restaurant & Sushi Bar
A cool restaurant not far from Burdines but even more “local”. They have some great breakfast, a really good Happy Hour (4:00-6:00), and the best sushi around. You can…
Get Details & Directions Castaway Waterfront Restaurant & Sushi Bar
Coast to Coast Pizza Company
Lucky for you, the best pizza in the Keys is here in Marathon (he said it, not just us). Don’t stop there, though; they also have great stromboli, calzones,…
Cracked Conch Cafe
Some will say the Conch Fritters are the best in the Keys. There is only one way to find out. In addition to the fritters they have a wide…
Dockside Boot Key Harbor
Dockside is a great place to start your night. Enjoy some light fare while taking in some great live music this bar is on the water and is typically…
Driftwood Pizza, Pasta, & Subs
A casual pizza place with a large menu including pizza, salads, sandwiches, burgers, wings, and more. Be sure to explore all the items in the menu as there are…
Fish Tales Market and Eatery
The best Key Lime Pie in Marathon? Give it a shot and let us know what you think. In addition to their popular pie and their meals that take…
Florida Keys Steak and Lobster House
If you want the best steak in Marathon, go here and get one cooked off their stone grill. They are also know for their lobster dishes (what gave that…
Get Details & Directions Florida Keys Steak and Lobster House
Havana Jacks Oceanside Restaurant and Bar
Dubbed “An American Caribbean” experience, this is a great restaurant to relax, enjoy some standard dishes, listen to live music and get your night started. Head to Key Colony…
Get Details & Directions Havana Jacks Oceanside Restaurant and Bar
Herbie’s Bar & Chowder House
Want to know where to get the best fish & chips in Marathon? Now you do. The menu has everything you’d expect with good chowder and conch fritters too.…
Irie Island Eats
Iries is a must-stop when you’re staying in Marathon (or even just passing through). They serve breakfast and lunch, offering everything from acai bowls and eggs to sandwiches and…
Island Fish Company
Everybody comes here for a reason, a Marathon staple that serves up all the seafood classics while also letting you enjoy a great view by water with a lot…
Key Colony Inn
Another great choice if you are looking to mix in some delicious steak with your seafood, they also offer a wide variety of items (including Italian) so you have…
Keys Fisheries
Not only the best seafood market in Marathon, but Keys Fisheries also serves up some delicious food including their famous Lobster Reuben. When you go here you’ll feel like…
La Niña Restaurant
Enjoy some great Cuban food in a down to earth, casual environment. “Just like Abuela used to make” or so I’ve been told this restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and…
Lazy Days South
You can’t go wrong with most items on the menu here but if you are feeling a little adventurous try the “Super Lazy Days Lionfish” sandwich. Not only are…
Lighthouse Grill
When you want to step it up to something fancier, the Lighthouse Grill in the Faro Blanco resort is a great place to be a foodie for the night,…
Marathon Bagel Co.
Looking for a good bagel in Marathon for breakfast? You will find them here. Even better are the many different kinds of breakfast sandwiches you can get on the…
Marathon Grill and Ale House
What a great pub tucked into the corner of the Gulfside Village shopping center. You will not just a great variety of beer and live music but also delicious…
No Name Pub
You will have to leave Marathon for Big Pine but it is worth a trip to take in the ambiance and eclectic mix of food the No Name Pub…
Overseas Pub and Grill
Overseas has it all: a great bar, seating outside, live music, good food, a good Sunday brunch, and a liquor store. Yes, that’s right, a liquor store too. When…
Sparky’s Landing
Sparky’s has a huge tiki hut where you can dine inside or out or eat at the bar. Serving up a wide-ranging menu (including pizza), Sparky’s also has a…
Sweet Savannah’s
Looking for dessert? Look no further. Sweet Savannah’s is the best ice cream and bakery in the Keys. They have award-winning Key Lime Pie and their small-batch, locally made…
The Stuffed Pig
This is the place you want to go for your breakfasts when you just don’t want to cook. They have great food and can satisfy any size appetite. DISTANCE: ~0.5…
Upper Crust
One of the better pizza places in the Keys that also has good wings and garlic bread (get it with cheese). In addition to their tasty bar pizza be…
Brass Monkey
What can you say about the Monkey that hasn’t been said already? The Monkey is a late-night (after 11) dive bar and serves as stop 2 of 3 on an…
Burdines Waterfront Bar & Grill
Enjoy some well-priced drinks and take in the view of the water and a nice from a second-floor vantage point where you can see the boats coming in and out…
Dockside Boot Key Harbor
Dockside is a great place to start your night. Enjoy some light fare while taking in some great live music this bar is on the water and is typically stop…
Island Fish Company
Home of the longest tiki bar in the keys, this a great bar to take in a beautiful view and check out some marine life while enjoying some tasty cocktails.…
J J’s Dog House
Stay with me on this one: If a dive bar was a person, then J J’s Dog House would be the dive bar that they would go to. This is…
Keys Fisheries
We’d love to tell you the name of the bar here but they change each year. Just head to Keys Fisheries and enjoy a bar with a great view and…
Overseas Pub and Grill
Overseas has it all: a great bar, seating outside, live music, good food, a good Sunday brunch, and a liquor store. Yes, that’s right, a liquor store too. When is…
Sunset Grille & Raw Bar
A great bar to visit that is right at the start of the 7-Mile Bridge. They have plenty of outdoor seating, a tiki bar, and even a pool to take…
Tuesday on the island
Not much goin’ on
The parties are all over
They ended just past dawnThe jungle drums are beating
Coconut Telegraph by Jimmy Buffett
With the tales from late last night
`Cause stories bear repeating
For everyone’s delight